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Adoxa vs. Accutane

Are Adoxa and Accutane the Same Thing?

Adoxa (doxycycline) and Accutane (isotretinoin) are used to treat acne.

Adoxa is also used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, periodontitis (gum disease), and others.

The brand name Accutane is discontinued in the U.S., but generic formulations are available.

Adoxa and Accutane belong to different drug classes. Adoxa is a tetracycline antibiotic and Accutane is a retinoid.

Side effects of Adoxa and Accutane that are similar include skin rash or itching.

Side effects of Adoxa that are different from Accutane include stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and vaginal itching or discharge.

Side effects of Accutane that are different from Adoxa include dry skin, dry nose, nosebleeds, cracks in the corners of the mouth, dry mouth, dry lips, cracking or peeling skin, inflammation of the whites of the eyes, dry eyes, joint pain, back pain, dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, or changes in your fingernails or toenails.

Adoxa may interact with cholesterol-lowering medications, isotretinoin, tretinoin, antacids, products containing bismuth subsalicylate; minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements; blood thinners, and accutane antibiotics.

Accutane may interact with steroids, seizure medications, or tetracycline antibiotics.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Adoxa?

Common side effects of Adoxa include:

  • stomach upset,
  • diarrhea,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • skin rash or itching, or
  • vaginal itching or discharge

What Are Possible Side Effects of Accutane?

Common side effects of Accutane include:

  • dry skin,
  • itching,
  • rash,
  • dry nose,
  • nosebleeds,
  • cracks in the corners of the mouth,
  • dry mouth,
  • dry lips,
  • cracking or peeling skin,
  • inflammation of the whites of the eyes,
  • dry eyes,
  • joint pain,
  • back pain,
  • dizziness,
  • drowsiness,
  • nervousness, or
  • changes in your fingernails or toenails.

What Is Adoxa?

Adoxa (doxycycline) is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat many different bacterial infections, such as urinary tract infections, acne, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, periodontitis (gum disease), and others. Adoxa is also used to treat blemishes, bumps, and acne-like lesions caused by rosacea.

What Is Accutane?

Accutane (isotretinoin) is a retinoid used for the treatment and prevention of severe acne. The brand name Accutane is discontinued in the U.S., but generic formulations are available.

What Drugs Interact With Adoxa?

Adoxa may interact with cholesterol-lowering medications, isotretinoin, tretinoin, antacids, products containing bismuth subsalicylate, minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, over-the-counter vitamin and mineral supplements, blood thinners, or accutane antibiotics. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Adoxa is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm a fetus. Consult your doctor to discuss using birth control while taking this medication. This drug passes into breast milk but is unlikely to harm a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What Drugs Interact With Accutane?

Accutane may interact with steroids, seizure medications, or tetracycline antibiotics.

How Should Adoxa Be Taken?

The usual adult dose of oral Adoxa is 200 mg on the first day of treatment (taken 100 mg every 12 hours or 50 mg every 6 hours) followed by a maintenance dose of 100 mg/day. The maintenance dose may be taken as a single dose or as 50 mg every 12 hours.

How Should Accutane Be Taken?

The recommended dose of Accutane is 0.5 to 2 mg per kg of body weight daily.

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